Ever since iMovie was developed and pre-installed as the native media file editor for Mac platforms, it makes sense that every Mac user would like to open files by iMovie directly. iMovie is said to be compatible with piles of formats like AVI, M4V, MOV. Although this local software has its own codecs, such as Apple Animation Codec and Apple Intermediate Codec, can iMovie play MP4? With all the MP4 format files on the Mac, what to do if iMovie fails to stream them? Thus, this article will give you a detailed explanation of how to play MP4 files iMovie.

Part 1: Can iMovie Import and Play MP4 File

"Why the MP4 videos I downloaded on Mac cannot play on iMovie? Can iMovie play MP4 files? If not, are there any solutions to let me view MP4?" Likewise, there are many users putting their questions on the Apple forum. While QuickTime offers the dominant function of playback, does iMovie play MP4 as well? Even though iMovie gives people a hand to make movies easily on Mac, it seems unpredictable that all the MP4 files would be playable on iMovie.

If you want to dig out can iMovie play MP4 format files, then maybe you should get to know what iMovie plays. MP4 is one of the most common video formats that can be performed cross-platform. iMovie can detect media files from DV, HDV, AVCHD, Apple Intermediate Codec, Apple Animation Codec, Motion JPEG/A, iFrame, h.264. Theoretically, MP4 container format is available for iMovie software.

However, only a handful variety of MP4 files, which are usually coded encoded with MPEG4/AAC or H.264/AAC, are listed on the supporting information. In the meantime, the MP4 video compressing process could be unknown. When the MP4 file is not accepted via iMovie, it is highly possible that iMovie is not inbuilt with required codecs. Thus, the answer to can iMovie play MP4 files may fall into disappointing moments.

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Part 2: How to Solve iMovie Won't Play MP4 File

From the above opinion on can iMovie play MP4, perhaps the announcement from Apple iMovie is unlikely to be reliable all the time. The truth is that not all the MP4 video formats are entirely importable on the iMovie app. But don't be sad, I will show you the way to address the problem. No matter can iMovie play MP4, you can use this perfect solution, Leawo Video Converter to let iMovie import and play MP4 files or other incompatible formats.

The most beneficial software should be armed with the most comprehensive codec support. So this Leawo Video Converter was designed to allow all the obscure MP4 files to input. As the output side, the application also tightens up the high requirements. Every single iMovie compatible media file is fully settable through the software. To be specific, it runs as one of the most popular and best converters although the MOV is claimed to be applicable on iMovie.

In terms of the output profiles, it specializes in mobile device formats, including the iPhone of all generations, smartphones of Nokia, Sony, Samsung, LG, Motorola, portable tablets of Microsoft, etc. At the same time, transferring procedures are guaranteed without any image damage regardless of the resolution demand. Furthermore, it is able to operate steadily on Mac and achieve 6 times faster speed. Additionally, the program also embeds with a professional video editor. Moreover, a couple of feasible functionalities can inspire users to make photo slideshows for fun.

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Part 3: How to Convert MP4 to iMovie-compatible Format

At present, a large amount of converter program is coming with a complex interface that confuses users, especially for novices. Not like any of those others, Leawo Video Converter has a very friendly working interface with an organized graphic layout. The method to solve the problem is very clear and easy-to-understand as the below tutorial. The presentation will use the version on Mac systems.

Step 1. Download and install the Leawo Video Converter for Mac on the computer.

If you are using Windows platforms, there is another version for you. Go to the website and check it closely to get the correct one.

   

Step 2. Launch the best converter for Mac and load source MP4 format files.

There are a few frames on the entrance interface. You can put MP4 videos by dragging them from folders straightforward on the top of the file reading frame. There is an alternative way to open a media file browser by the "Add Video" button in line with "Add Blu-ray" and "Add Photo".

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Step 3. Find the "MP4 Video" button to enter the profile panel.

After the MP4 videos are imported, the description will be displayed on the long stripboard. Right above the bar, you will see the "MP4 Video" option in the middle of the toolbar next to the green "Convert" icon. Tab it to approach a drop-down menu and select the "Change" option to see the "Profile" settings.

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Step 4. Change the irregular MP4 format to an iMovie-recognizable one.

In the Profile window, all the video formats are oriented by different sequences. Some common video profiles are arranged via popularity, quality, or devices. It is also very easy to navigate yourself to the iMovie-compatible formats you preferred from the left search feature. In this case, the MOV video format is suggested since this MOV is wrapped using the Apple codecs.

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Step 5. The advanced video and audio parameters are available.

Put your mouse on the chosen profile label, you will see two small icons on the upper right corner. The editable image implies further settings. Click on it to configure multiple values for the wanted results. Don't forget to push the "OK" button to apply modifications.

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Step 6. Nail down a location to save converted MP4 files.

On the beginning panel, press the stunning "Convert" button to call out the destination sidebar. Users can view local drives and designate a pathway to the "Save to" option.

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Step 7. Initiate the conversion.

This is the final click that hitting the "Convert" on the sidebar to make your MP4 accessible on iMovie. Can iMovie play MP4? Yes, currently you can watch MP4 content by iMovie after the process is completed.

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Part 4: iMovie Best Alternative Player - Leawo Blu-ray Player

With a bunch of shortcomings of iMovie software, it is highly recommended to take advantage of the best MP4 player on Mac. From time to time, watching MP4 movies is supposed to be simple and delightful. It would be awful if does iMovie play MP4 bothers you. Thus, the Leawo Blu-ray Player is considered as an ideal means to alter iMovie.

When you are having an intensive life with media content daily, it would be so grateful to obtain an assistant who can play all the files without errors. That is the reason why Leawo Blu-ray Player has to be introduced in this stage. It breaks all the regularities to compile all the codecs covering general container formats like AVI, MPEG, WMV, ASF, FLV, MKV, QuickTime, MP4, M4A, AAC, NUT, OGM, RealMedia, VIVO, PVA, NUV, NSV, DVR-MS, and WTV.

On top of that, users are allowed to modify all the playback control while playing MP4 movies. Also, the amazing quality preservation is ensured with mesmerizing stereo audio enjoyments. The winning feature is the ability to stream Blu-rays and DVDs from every corner of the world. The program also offers an upgrade version to store Blu-ray/DVD content into MKV files.

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Part 5: Comparison between iMovie and Leawo Blu-ray Player

A table of comparison could work properly to form judgment quickly. Here you can check this table to make your decision. Personally, I incline to Leawo Blu-ray Player not only because it is free but also it serves with various functions. You can analyze several comparing aspects beneath.

Features iMovie Leawo Blu-ray Player
Supporting system Mac OS Mac OS, Windows 7/8/8.1/10
4K, HD support Yes Yes
Apple Intermediate Codec Yes Yes
Apple Animation Codec Yes Yes
MPEG-4 Part 2   Yes
Windows Media Video   Yes
Stereo Playback   Yes
Motion JPEG (OpenDML only) Yes Yes

Conclusion

Starting from the doubt of can iMovie play MP4 files, you may be tired of being aware of iMovie does not have the capability. Holding the hope to make your iMovie play MP4 format videos, I'm sure that the practical method has been well illustrated in this article. Yes, the trick is the Leawo Video Converter.

Once you have installed this great application on your computer, you would never drop it thanks to the powerful technology that takes you anywhere you like. Sometimes, if you are simply looking for an easy tool to play all the MP4 files, Leawo Blu-ray Player is always willing to deliver the finest quality. All your videos will be playing exactly the same as your original files.